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It’s no surprise to find North Dakota State back at the top of the FBS ranking for Rush Offense. They are currently #2 at 268.7 yards per game which is behind #1 Davidson's triple option offense.

The Bison’s power running game is one of the top FCS rushing offenses year in and year out, It’s also translated into FCS National Championships in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019.

Watching all levels this season, one thing that has trended is the incorporation of more tight ends, a fullback, and even under-center offense. That’s nothing new for NDSU and their offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl

Coach Roehl built their strategy on a key analytic that he traced back to the early 2000’s at NDSU. The number is 50. If their rushes and completions total 50 their winning percentage is 98%+. That’s a strong correlation!

Coach Roehl said, “We talk about a softening process of the defense. Just being able to pound the rock and get, four, five, six then those runs will turn into ten, 12, 20.“

Coach Roehl is a former NDSU/Seattle Seahawks fullback so he knows exactly how to train the position.

In this video, he gives an introduction of how they utilize the fullback in their offense. (Click on the images to view video)

Here’s a game example of the fullback on a kick-out block with the emphasis on planting the foot for power: (Click on the images to view video)

The tight ends also play a big part in both the running and the passing game. Here Coach Roehl goes through some drills he utilizes to his tight ends to hit a moving target. (Click on the images to view video)

Both fullbacks and tight ends can become weapons in the passing game. In this example Coach Roehl illustrates a power pass with both the TE and FB in the route. As he notes, San Francisco 49er’s Trey Lance, NDSU alum, is the quarterback on this play. (Click on the images to view video)

Coach Roehl’s approach of being detailed and having specific drills to work every scenario his players will face allows him to utilize what amounts to less contact given the parameters that teams must work within today to make player safety a priority, but it’s proven to be very effective in today’s game. 

If you are looking to maximize the efficiency of these positions in your offense, Coach Roehl is one of the best to study.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski